Parts for your 2006 Ford Transit-Steering bushes

2006 Ford Transit steering bushes — what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including the Ford Transit 2000–2006 Workshop Manual (steering system sections), the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2000–2006 Manual (No. 4781), and the Ford electronic parts catalogue confirm the 2006 Ford Transit uses steering bushes. Specifically, it has rubber mounting bushes for the steering rack and support bushes in the steering column assembly. So, steering-bushes are absolutely relevant on a 2006 Transit.

These bushes act as vibration isolators and alignment keepers. The rack mounting bushes secure the steering rack to the subframe while soaking up harshness, so the wheel feels solid without sending every bump up the column. Column support bushes guide the shaft so the steering stays centred and precise. When they’re healthy, the van tracks straight, steering feel is tight, and noise is kept to a minimum. As they age, rubber hardens, cracks, or goes mushy (especially if contaminated by power steering fluid), which lets the rack or column shift under load.

Signs they’re on the way out often include:

• A dull clunk or knock through the wheel over bumps or when turning at low speed
• Vague, wander-y steering on the motorway
• Excess play felt when rocking the wheel off-centre
• Visible rack movement while a helper turns the wheel lock-to-lock
• Uneven or accelerated tyre wear despite correct pressures

As part of regular servicing on a 2006 Ford Transit, it’s smart to inspect the rack mounting bushes and the column support bush every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Look for cracked rubber, elongation of the sleeves, or signs of oil soaking from a weeping power-steering system. If there’s movement, replace them in pairs (both rack mounts) to keep the rack square. Many workshops can replace the rack bushes in situ with the correct press tools, otherwise the rack may need to come out. Always follow the workshop manual for fastener re-use and torque settings, and get a wheel alignment afterwards to protect your tyres and restore on-centre feel. OE-quality rubber replacements retain factory comfort, polyurethane options can sharpen response but may add a touch of NVH. If there’s heavy play or a loud clunk, park it until fixed — steering is a safety system, not a “she’ll be right” item.

Popular questions

What are the common symptoms of worn steering bushes on a 2006 Ford Transit?
Drivers often notice a knock through the wheel over speed humps or driveway entries, a slightly delayed response when first turning the wheel, and a tendency to tramline or wander on coarse-chip roads. A mechanic may spot visible rack movement while someone turns the wheel, or find the column bush has play.

Uneven tyre wear despite correct pressures, and a steering wheel that doesn’t self-centre as crisply as it used to, are also tell-tales.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering bushes?
Yes. Even though the tie rods set toe, changing rack bushes can alter the rack’s resting position and geometry under load. An alignment ensures the Transit tracks straight, the steering wheel sits centred, and tyres wear evenly.

Should I choose polyurethane or rubber steering bushes?
Poly bushes can sharpen response and last longer, handy for heavily loaded vans or frequent rough-road use. They can, however, pass a bit more vibration into the cabin. Quality rubber maintains factory refinement and is the go-to for most daily-driven Transits. Either way, buy reputable brands and install with the correct lubes where specified.